The Town Church, St Peter Port, Guernsey

SAFEGUARDING POLICY : PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH

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The following policy was agreed by the Rector (then Priest-in-Charge) and Churchwardens on 5 June 2023.

​In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:

•  Promoting a safer environment and culture

•  Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and   vulnerable adults within the church

•  Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation

•  Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons

•  Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons

•  Responding to those who may pose a present risk to others

​The church will:

• Create a safe and caring place for all

• Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the Priest-in-Charge and the churchwardens to  implement policy and procedures

• Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.

• Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken of behalf of the church or on church premises

• Display in church premises and on the church website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs

• Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse

• Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops’ guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately

• Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred

• Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties

• Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually

• Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually

​Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

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This church has appointed Ruth Abernethy as the Parish Safeguarding Officer. 

Ruth can be contacted by telephone on 07781 181 281 or by email at ruth_abernethy@hotmail.com

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